Meiji Karl Cheese

Cheese corn puffs · Meiji · Salty snacks · Western Japan (Kansai and west)

must-try

Why it's worth it

Karl has been around since 1968, but since 2017 Meiji sells it only in western Japan (Kansai and west), which turned it into a regional souvenir for people from Tokyo. If you are in Osaka, Kyoto or further west, it is a cheap and slightly nostalgic find.

Taste

Light, crisp curled corn puffs with a mild, rich cheese flavor; airy rather than greasy

Why this rating

You can’t get this at homenot sold in Czechia — distinctly local
Reviewers rave about itthin evidence — fewer independent reviews found
A local icona well-known local classic
Easy to findstocked in mainstream chains at everyday prices

Scores 8 of 10 on our published rubric.

Nutrition

Nutritional values per 100 g

Energy value2118 kJ · 506.2 kcal
Fats23.8 g
Carbohydrates66.4 g
Protein7 g
Salt1.9 g
Alcohol0 % vol

Source: Open Food Facts label data (may lag pack reformulations).

Where & what you'll pay

AEONLife€EAN 4902777010229

If you know Czech shelves

Similar to Czech Křupky, but cheese-flavored and much lighter

Sources

  • “Meiji Karl Cheese is a flavorful, delicious puffed corn snack. It has a light crispy texture and a mild, rich cheese flavor.”

    japanese-products.blog (blog)

Curated 2026-10-01. Image: Open Food Facts contributors, CC-BY-SA.